Preston

boyOld English

Preston is an boy name of Old English origin, meaning “Priest's settlement”.

MeaningPriest's settlement
GenderBoy
OriginOld English
PronunciationPRESS-tun
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia

Meaning and origin of Preston

Preston comes from the Old English prēost, 'priest', and tūn, 'enclosure, settlement'. It began as the name of several English places, most famously the city of Preston in Lancashire, and then became a surname for people from those places. It was taken up as a given name in the United States in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Despite the word 'priest' in its origin, it is used as a secular name.

Is Preston a religious name?

Preston has no religious background as a first name; the 'priest' element simply records an old English place associated with church land.

How popular is Preston?

A steady boy's name in the United States; less common in Britain, where it is mostly known as a place name.

Gifts with the name Preston

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Names similar to Preston

WestonEastonGraysonBentley

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Frequently asked questions

What does the name Preston mean?

Preston means 'Priest's settlement'. It is of Old English origin.

Does Preston have a religious meaning?

Preston has no religious background as a first name; the 'priest' element simply records an old English place associated with church land.

How do you pronounce Preston?

Preston is pronounced PRESS-tun.

Is Preston a boy or girl name?

Preston is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.